We actively use our mountain resources for public buildings, as well as private housings inside the village. Not only we want to be a lumber supplier for urban areas, but we wish to nurture our community with our most important resource.
The people of Totsukawa stuck to the idea that using a natural environment, where kids will spend most of their time, is the best way to pass on important values such as "gratitude to nature", "appreciation to the forerunner", "caring for history". It has also been proven that facilities using natural materials are a preventive tool against influenza spread and are a good influence on children’s attention span. Therefore, in this vision, Totsukawa Second Elementary School opened in April 2017 • Totsukawa Junior High School opened 5 years before in April 2012.
When the typhoon Atlas occurred in September 2011, our village suffered a lot of human and material damages. Several emergency houses were built in the village, by the village from start to finish, to accommodate the victims who lost their habitations. One way to relieve the pain of everyone was to provide them with a decent lodging. Now those houses are still occupied by families, and have been said to be very comfortable warm houses.
In an effort to rebuild from the flood damage of 2011, we designed, then built two "reconstruction model houses", and fourteen "reconstruction village houses" through discussions with carpenters and the villagers to ensure that these facilities will be suitable for this area’s topography and weather. Their architecture melds with the village’s atmosphere as we mainly use our raised SUGI for the beams, pillars, and even as far as wood-wool insulation. In fact, SUGI is known for its superior heat insulation, soundproofing and moisture resistant capacities.
